Reps caucus parleys northern governors, monarchs on PIB

ACF tasks lawmakers on restructuring bill

As the House of Representatives reconvenes, today, its members from the northern part of the country are meeting with their governors and monarchs to take a common position on the contentious Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The PIB is slated for final consideration and passage before the National Assembly embarks on their yearly vacation in a fortnight.

Also, the lawmakers, who converged for a two-day retreat at the Zuma Resort, along Abuja–Kaduna expressway, have been warned by the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative forum (ACF) to be wary of a bill on restructuring of the country.

At the retreat were traditional rulers and governors from across the 19 northern states, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Chairman, Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), Prof. Ango Abdullahi; Chairman, ACF, Audi Ogbeh; Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; ministers, among others.

Ogbeh, who assured that the ACF would take a stand on the PIB, said it was connected to the clamour by a section of the country to control their resources.

He said: “A lot has been said about the PIB, but I will not dwell on that. But there is something that will come before you very soon. The last time the President met with a delegation from the South, he said that if a bill is presented before the National Assembly on the question of restructuring and the assembly passes it, he would have no objection than to sign it. It then means that the matter may not be too far away.”

“At our last meeting in Kaduna, we extended an invitation to Ohanaeze, Afenifere and others that we want to have a conversation on the subject. We believe that there is no reason for undue warfare and that we all need to sit at a roundtable to solve the problem.”

According to him, many of those clamouring for restructuring are referring to the 1963 Constitution, which, it is believed, gives to every part of Nigeria whatever resources there have.

He urged them to take the constitution and read it well, as they would meet, discuss and something would be presented.

“It will be up to you to make it work after which the President will be ready to sign.